Avoiding Drain Flies: A Guide

 Have you noticed little flies buzzing around the sinks in your kitchen or bathroom? These are most likely drain flies. As annoying as they are, they’re extremely common and most of us will deal with a drain fly infestation at some point in time. Drain flies take up residence in septic tanks, sewers, and drains, and they often come up through your piping systems. The good news is there are several steps you can take to banish them from your home. 

Clean Your Drains

Think about how much waste and debris you put down your drains on a daily basis. So it’s no surprise that drain flies are attracted to the build-up of gunk in your drains. One way to keep drain flies away is to regularly clean your drains with a snake, which is a long metal tool used to remove clogs and eliminate build-up in your pipes. 

Flush The Drain With Boiling Water

Boiling water kills drain flies and any larvae that are waiting to hatch. Pouring boiling water down your drains can also dislodge any clogs or build-up in your pipes. If you start to notice drain flies in your home, we recommend immediately pouring boiling water down your pipes once or twice a day for a week – and then see if the problem persists. 

Use Enzyme Cleaners From A Plumbing Store

If boiling water isn’t doing the trick, visit your local plumbing store for something stronger. Plumbing stores will have enzyme cleaners that won’t damage or corrode your pipes, but will be effective in removing debris and build-up from your plumbing system. We don’t recommend using store-bought drain de-cloggers unless you know for sure they won’t harm your pipes. 

Don’t Let Water Stay Stagnant

Drain flies are attracted to pooling water. Which means if your sinks are clogged or you leave stagnant water in your sinks often, you’re creating an easy attraction for drain flies. Some easy steps you can take is to rinse your dishes out right away after using them, and don’t let them sit too long in your kitchen sink with pooling water. 

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/avoiding-drain-flies-a-guide/

Choosing The Right Type Of Valve

 Are you trying to select the right type of valve for your plumbing application? Whether it’s for your shower, dishwasher or perhaps something a little bit bigger like your sprinkler system,  there are many factors to consider. If you’re unsure, we recommend consulting with a plumbing professional to discuss valve features and recommend what’s best. In this article, our team explains the various types of plumbing valves and important things to consider when making your choice. If you have any questions along the way, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help. 

What Are The Types Of Valves?

Some of the most common types of valves include:

• Ball valves
• Metering valves
• Needle valves
• Toggle valves
• Pinch valves
• Relief valves
• Regulators 
• Check valves
• Butterfly valves

Be Sure Of The Size

Selecting the properly sized valve is critical. Undersized and oversized valves can cause operating problems in your plumbing system. For example, a valve that is too small can cause a build-up of pressure, while a valve that is too large doesn’t properly regulate the flow in the transfer system. If you would like a second opinion, we recommend checking with a trusted local plumber to ensure your valves are properly sized. 

What Does The Valve Need To Do?

Valves have two basic functions: shut-off and regulation. The action you need the valve to perform will determine which type is right for you. Ball valves are used to stop fluids from circulating, butterfly valves control the flow rate of fluids, and needle valves are used to regulate low-flow gases or liquids, just to name a few. 

Consider What The Valve Is Made Of

Valves come in a range of different materials, including plastic, brass, stainless steel, and PVC. If your valves will be coming into contact with extremely hot water or gases, you’ll need to use a material that doesn’t corrode or slowly melt from the high temperatures. Valves used in applications for restaurants and other food suppliers must also adhere to certain regulations, so please seek guidance from a professional who can ensure you’re also selecting the safest option for your patrons. 

Originally published at: https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/choosing-the-right-type-of-valve/